What does a flight dispatcher do?

• Performs the pre-flight duties as the cabin crew prepare for the flight
• Provides the pilot with the advised route for an individual flight
• Assesses weather reports and informing the pilot of any hazards
• Makes checks on aircraft maintenance issues
• Reviews aircraft weight, fuel loads and cargo loads
• General duties to ensure the aircraft is safe and ready to fly
• Reports to air traffic control and airport staff about departure times, and after departure, providing reports on aircraft status and predicted arrival times.

6. Airline Flight Dispatcher

What qualifications do you need to become a flight dispatcher?

Although the entry requirements vary between employers, you will at least need a good set of GCSE’s before you begin training.

Subjects such as English and maths at grade A* – C (9-4) are important.

A-levels will help your CV become more attractive to employers.

And there are some relevant subjects available, such as Travel and Tourism.

Alternatively, you could study for a BTEC or Diploma in aviation operations.

7.Airline Flight Dispatcher

If you move on to study at university, there are degrees in travel or airline management.

Once you have been recruited, there is more training specific to the role.

This will coach you in areas such as flight planning and scheduling, aviation regulations.

And in how to use airline systems.

Industry qualifications include NVQs in aviation operations on the ground and Level 2 Awards in aircraft dispatch and support flight operations.

8. Airline Flight Dispatcher

What skills do you need to become a flight dispatcher?

• You will need to be able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment especially when flying weather is bad.
• You will need to be decisive as flight dispatchers must make many rapid decisions concerning safety, flight regulations, and the economy of operations.
• As day-to-day tasks rely heavily on computer software systems, calculators, weather charts, and loading reports, competence with technology is very important.
• Good analytical skills are important to help with the interpretation of information and applying this to flight plans.

9. Airline Flight Dispatcher

• You will need to work closely with other flight dispatchers, pilots, and air traffic controllers, so the ability to work well in a teamis very important.
• This is a high pressure role which is responsible for the safety of aircraft and passengers so the ability to concentrate for long periods of time is essential.
• As you will be relaying instructions to pilots and other flight dispatchers, you will need excellent communication skills to make sure you are clearly understood.

10. Airline Flight Dispatcher

What are your career prospects as a flight dispatcher?

Flight dispatchers have the opportunity to progress to managerial positions and supervise others.

Some decide to take the qualifications necessary to retrain as air traffic controllers who help pilots navigate the airspace safely.

Each airport needs a team of flight dispatchers in order to function efficiently. As English is the international language of air control, there may be opportunities for work at airports across the world.

Search for the latest flight dispatcher roles on Aviation Job Search.

*Salaries are meant as a guide and can vary depending on a number of factors.

11. Airline Flight Dispatcher

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